Caledonia overpowers Triton

The Caledonia High School football team took a 61-game winning streak into their matchup with Triton on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
            The Warriors made sure they extended their streak to 62 games as they jumped out to an early 21-0 lead and cruised to a 49-3 win.
            Triton Head Coach Mike Ellingson said the Warriors exploited the Cobras’ pass defense by throwing the ball early and often.
            “Caledonia was able to hit three big passing plays early. We will continue to progress in our coverage skills,” he said.
            The Warrior’s defense kept their momentum going by pressuring Triton’s offense throughout the night.
“Caledonia pressures your interior with movement and gap integrity,” Ellingson said.
            After scoring three touchdowns in the first quarter, the Warriors added four more in the second quarter to achieve a 49-0 lead at halftime.
            Caledonia senior quarterback Noah King led the Warriors by passing for 227 yards and three touchdowns, rushing for another touchdown, intercepting a pass and returning a fumble for a touchdown. Casey Schultz also returned a fumble for a touchdown.
            Triton’s bright spot came in the fourth quarter when Owen Petersohn got the Cobras from deep in their own territory to deep in the Warriors’ territory with an 86-yard run.
“Owen made a nice read on an option play,” Ellingson said.
However, once again, Caledonia’s defense clamped down and forced a field goal attempt.
The field goal was about 30 yards away after a sack pushed Triton’s offense back to the 20-yard line. Still, Triton kicker Adrian Martinez drilled the ball through the uprights to get the Cobras on the board in the final minutes of the game.
            Despite the lopsided loss, Ellingson is proud of his team, especially the seniors.
“Tonight we honored our seniors as it was the last game on the turf for them. I am proud of the way they lead and contribute to the future of this program,” he said.
            The immediate future for the Cobras (4-4) is a road game against St. Charles (5-3) on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
            To prepare for the Saints, he said Triton will “work on responsibility football and preparing ourselves for a quick turn around,” he said.
The winner will play against Caledonia at 7 p.m. on Oct. 26.